One of the few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire, the Historic Water Tower is an...

Take a Tour of Chicago Architecture

Destroyed by the Great Fire in 1871, the architects who rebuilt Chicago used pioneering techniques to build the first modern skyscrapers. The Chicago Architecture Foundation is the world’s largest public architecture organization. Start your architectural odyssey with one of their architecture river cruises, walking tours, trolley or bus tours. Other memorable ways to experience Chicago’s monumental cityscape are Segway tours, or take a bird’s eye view of it all with the exhilarating 360 Chicago Tilt, the Ledge at Skydeck Chicago or even a helicopter tour.

Religious Architecture

Experience culture in breathtaking temples

Around Chicago, you’ll find a variety of ornate temples and religious architecture.

Bahá'í House of Worship

Completed in 1953, construction of the Bahá'í House of Worship took 41 years. Considered one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois, the structure – located in Wilmette – is the oldest and largest of the Bahá'í temples and the only in the United States. It features a 135-ft. white-stone dome that seats over 1,000 people and a variety of gorgeous gardens and fountains throughout the courtyard.

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Chicago

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Chicago opened in 1953 as a traditional Hindu place of worship. Spreading across 27 acres, the Mandir is the largest of its kind in Illinois. The temple boasts intricate designs and patterns, hewn and chiseled into Italian marble and Turkish limestone by 2,000 craftsmen.

The B. Harley Bradley House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1901.

Prairie Style Architecture in Oak Park

American architect Frank Lloyd Wright spent the first 20 years of his career in Chicago. Here he developed the Prairie School style of architecture. Explore the cluster of Wright buildings in Oak Park, where a self-guided walking tour of the historic neighborhood begins at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. Or tour Wright buildings around Chicago by bus, starting at the Light Court in The Rookery and ending at Frederick C. Robie House.

A Modernist Masterpiece in Plano

The German-American architect Mies van der Rohe moved to the U.S. in 1937 and settled in Chicago where he was appointed head of the architecture school at the now Illinois Institute of Technology. Farnsworth House in Plano was built in 1951 as a private residence and the iconic modernist building is now open as a public museum.

Illinois State Capitol

Classical Grandeur in Springfield

Immerse yourself in Greek and Renaissance Revival architecture in the Illinois State Capitol.

You’ll feel the presence of Lincoln the Lawyer in this sparse, sometimes disordered chambe...

Tour Two Capitol Buildings

The State Capitol in Springfield houses the government of Illinois. The current capitol, built in Renaissance Revival architectural style, is the sixth capitol building since Illinois was granted statehood in 1818. Nearby is the Old State Capitol State Historic Site, the fifth capitol building. Built in the Greek Revival style, it served as the state house from 1840 to 1876.

Historic Quincy

Pre-Civil War Architecture

Things You Might Like...

Formerly the Newcomb-Stillwell Mansion, The Quincy Museum is restored to period on the 1st...

Quincy’s Architectural Treasures

Many pre-Civil War buildings can be found in the city’s Downtown Historic District. The city is also known for the influence of German immigrants on its architecture and its large number of Craftsman bungalows. Try the self-guided architectural driving tour or the private home tours organized by the Quincy Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Stay in an Architectural Gem

Historic Homes

Experience fine Illinois architecture as a guest, with our guide to notable places to stay.

Things You Might Like...

Sleep Stylish in these Beautiful Hotels

The beaux-arts Renaissance Blackstone in Chicago is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and has hosted presidents, royalty and celebrities. Sumptuous Beall Mansion in Alton, designed by Lucas Pfeiffenberger, features ionic columns, crystal chandeliers and a statuary. The Victorian DeSoto House Hotel in Galena is Illinois’ oldest hotel. Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant slept here.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.